A plucky schoolgirl braved chilly waters as part of the first naturist relay team to swim the English Channel.

Ruth Fay, 15, of Braintree, was the youngest of the six people to do the 21-mile swim - swimming the longest stints.

But the Alec Hunter School pupil faced problems including seasickness and not being allowed to put on insulating cream because the boat company thought it would make a mess.

She was selected for the attempt after being noticed at a naturist swimming gala.

Ruth, of Nelson Gardens, said: "It's great to think I can now say I've swum the Channel."

Training included swimming in sea at Clacton so the team could acclimatise. They completed the Channel swim last Tuesday in a time of 13 hours, 43 minutes - with Ruth winning the admiration of school pals.

"I had a hard time from one boy but I told him I was doing it and it was tough luck if he didn't like it. But most of the school have been really mature about it which has been great."

The worst part of the swim was not the chilly temperatures but seasickness - her rests on the boat between stints made her ill.

Mum Caralyn said: "I'm very proud of her. To swim the Channel is a great achievement."

Ruth has so far raised £350 for cancer research and anyone wishing to make donations can contact Caralyn Fay on 01376 550493

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